Kearney

Kearney is a surname of Irish origin that is commonly found in the British Isles. The name is derived from the Gaelic Ó Catharnaigh, meaning "descendant of Catharnach," a personal name believed to come from the word "cath," meaning battle.

History

The Kearney surname has a long history in Ireland and has been established in Britain for centuries. The Kearney family has been prominent in various regions of the British Isles, including Ireland, Scotland, and England. The name has been present in records dating back to the medieval period, with individuals bearing the name holding positions of influence and importance in society.

Distribution

Today, the Kearney surname can be found across the British Isles, with concentrations in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. Kearney families have historically been associated with areas such as Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, and London, among others.

Notable Individuals

  • Thomas Kearney (1775-1836): An Irish politician and Member of Parliament known for his advocacy of political reform and social justice.
  • Siobhan Kearney (born 1980): A British artist renowned for her innovative mixed media installations exploring themes of identity and memory.

Variants

Variants of the Kearney surname include O'Kearney, O'Carney, and O'Kearny. Over the centuries, the name has undergone various spellings and forms due to changes in pronunciation and dialect.

In conclusion, the Kearney surname is a significant and enduring part of British and Irish heritage, with a rich history and presence in various regions of the British Isles.

There are approximately 7,258 people named Kearney in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,290th most common surname in Britain. Around 111 in a million people in Britain are named Kearney.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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